Penn Speech & Debate: August 2010

Welcome

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to the website of the University of Pennsylvania's Speech and Debate team! Our team competes in the American Forensics Association (AFA) and the Collegiate Forensics Association (CFA). This year our team has had an exceptional run at tournaments, garnering 19 bids to nationals in events which range from Lincoln-Douglas Debate to Impromptu, Extemporaneous Speaking to Poetry. We are constantly growing and seek fresh talent for the 2011-2012 school year. We are looking for dedicated members who are passionate about forensics. Experience is prefered but not necessary to join.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Info Session on Monday September 6

Penn Speech & Debate will be holding a joint info session with several other forensics organizations (Mock Trial, Penn for Youth Debate, Parliamentary) on Monday September 6 at 6:30 PM. PS&D will be the first group presenting, so make sure to be on time!

General Secretary Noah Rosenthal will be there after the info session to answer any questions.

2010-11 Resolution Announced

The 2010-11 NFA-LD resolution is:

Resolved: the United States federal government should substantially reform the provision of mental health services to the chronically mentally ill.

A few important notes about this year's resolution:

1. Once again, the resolution uses the word "reform" (*sigh*) which renders the topic bi-directional (*double sigh*). In other words, debaters have to be prepared to discuss both increases and decreases in the provision of mental health services.

2. Due to either a conscious decision (unlikely) or a severe oversight (likely) of the topic selection committee, this year's resolution does not specify that mental health services have to be provided in the U.S. Foreign aid cases are fair game.

The bottom line: It is a good year to be aff.